Mike Blevins
A male American Goldfinch
The acrobatic sunshine-yellow males and their olive-yellow female mates that we’ve named American Goldfinches are seasonally some of the last birds to nest in the Blue Ridge. After watching their undulating flights throughout summer to and from the favorite nyjer feeder, this fall welcomed new additions in the backyard – two hungry fledglings.
Mike Blevins
A female American Goldfinch
Nesting and rearing of young coincide with the late-summer bursts of seeds and materials. The female gathers spiderwebs, the down from thistles and other plant material to build the nest. The construction is so precise, that its woven design can be watertight.
This species is almost exclusively vegetarian, and will visit all manner of feeders with a preference for nyjer and sunflower seeds. They are year-round residents in the expanse of the Blue Ridge region.
Bird Bits
Fun Facts: After choosing mates, an American Goldfinch pair will then match each other’s voices and sing almost identical individualized flight songs.
Habitat: Edges of woods, weedy fields and second growth areas attract these birds.
Conservation Note: This small finch is widely spread across the country and appears to be doing well overall with small declines in numbers in some areas.
Listen to a variety of sweet songs of the American Goldfinch.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
“Birds of the Blue Ridge” showcases frequently seen and rare birds across the southern Appalachian region. For over three decades, Angela Minor has traveled with binoculars and field guides across the continental U.S., Alaska, the Caribbean, and seven European countries. She is a travel and nature freelance writer for several regional and national print magazines, and also created and authored the state park birding series for Bird Watcher’s Digest.
Read More by Angela Minor: BlueRidgeCountry.com/AngelaMinor